Pew News - 12 Apr 2026
Alleluia, Christ is risen!
In our reading from Acts (2:14a, 22–32), we see Peter standing with new confidence, proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus with boldness and clarity: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”
It is a remarkable transformation, from fear to courage, from silence to proclamation, and it reminds us that Easter does not end at the empty tomb but continues to shape and send us out.
And that is something our world often forgets. The shop shelves may already have moved on. Easter eggs replaced and displays changed, but the Church lingers. We dwell in this season of resurrection joy, not just for a day, but for fifty days, all the way to Pentecost Sunday on 24th May.
Easter is not a moment; it is a season.
A season in which we learn, slowly and deeply, what it means to live as people of the resurrection.
Peter’s speech in Acts comes during that unfolding realisation. The disciples are beginning to understand that the risen Christ
is not simply someone they remember, but someone who is alive and at work among them. And that same truth is entrusted to us. We too are witnesses, not only in what we say, but in how we live: in hope where there is uncertainty, in love where there is need, and in faith when the way ahead is not always clear.
Thank you to all who helped make our Holy Week and Easter celebrations so meaningful. As we continue this Easter journey together, may we take seriously the gift of this season, allowing it to shape us, renew us, and prepare us, just as it did those first disciples, for all that lies ahead.
With every blessing,
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Hilary & Chris L, Jake C, Yancy T, Ann J, Cathy E, Sam C, John C, Tyler, Margaret R, Carol Q
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church
REMEMBERING
Joan K, praying for her family and friends
Roy T, praying for Daisy, family and friends
FUNERAL: ROY TIMMS
The funeral service for Roy Timms will take place on Friday 1st May 2026, 1.30pm at Wessex Vale Crematorium.
Daisy invites you to attend. Please continue to hold Daisy and the family & friends in your prayers.
APRIL SERVICES
19 April - 8.30am - no service
19 April - 10am – Leprosy Mission is visiting us.
GARRY’S ANNUAL LEAVE
Garry is on holiday from 12th to 20th April. If you have any urgent enquiries during this time, please email Bev at office@sholing.church or call 023 8044 8337.
CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR HERITAGE 160 PROJECT?
Due to rising building costs and additional requirements mean that we now face a funding shortfall. To complete this work well, we are inviting support from our congregation and from all those who have worshipped here or used St Mary’s for baptisms, weddings, funerals, enjoyed a community event or moments of quiet prayer.
If St Mary’s has been part of your story, we would be deeply grateful for any donation you are able to make. Every gift, large or small, will help ensure that this church and its stories are cared for and shared with future generations.
FOOD BANK – HOW YOU CAN HELP!
This week, the food bank urgently needs tinned meats. If you can help, please leave the items in the basket in the hall. Thank you!
CALLING ALL KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
KNITTING – could you knit hats or false beards? We can provide a pattern, even wool if needed.
CLOTHING – think ‘Nativity’ – have you got any clothing that can be adapted to make costumes for primary aged children (4 – 11yrs)? Things like old shirts that we can adapt as tunics, dressing gowns, scarves. You probably have loads of ideas.
Could you help with keeping our ‘dressing-up’ case in tip-top condition?
CRAFTING – some stories could do with props – for example palm branches. We plan stories in advance so will be able to give a reasonable notice. We have all sorts of crafting stuff in the cupboard.
Please let Su Brakewell know if you can help.
SHARE YOUR USEFUL TIPS TO ‘SAVE TIME IN THE KITCHEN’
Within our Heritage160 recipe book we are including a section on useful tips to save time in the kitchen. What tips and tricks could you share?
Here are some examples already shared:
1. It can be quite tricky to prise the skin off an onion, and it can often hurt your fingernails. All you need to do is put the onions in a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes, and the skins peel off easily!
2. When boiling milk, it can be difficult to clean the pan afterwards. If you rinse the pan in cold water before adding the milk, hey presto, much easier to clean!
Please speak to Julie Cousens or email your ideas to julie56cousens@gmail.com
APCM (CHANGE OF DATE)
Meeting: Mon 18th May 7.15pm | Hall
Due to this change of date, Nomination forms will be available from 4 May for anyone who is interested in becoming a PCC member/church warden.
Please speak to Joyce if you have any questions.
SUMMER FETE
Sat 27 June 2026
We are teaming up with St Monica School for this year’s Summer Fete.
Could you spare time to help plan the event or to help out on the day itself?
Please speak to Ben or email ben@sholing.church
The Parish Giving Scheme
A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
We’re really surprised not to have received many of your stories of St Mary’s. We’d really love to hear from you.
As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.
We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church
MARK FOREMAN’S MARATHON
Mark’s training is going really well. He is now up to 15 miles!! Please continue to sponsor him, in aid of St Mary’s Church!
WHAT’S ON - LIVE CALENDAR